Senior School 

Year 11 Leadership Day 2021

On Tuesday 3 August, Year 11 participated in the annual Leadership Day run by the College. The day allowed us to gain a better understanding of what leadership involves and what good leadership is. Although we couldn’t be physically present to experience this, we were lucky enough to still participate virtually. The keynote speaker was one of Australia’s most renowned leaders, the former Governor-General Sir Peter Cosgrove. We were also very lucky to hear from other people connected to the College who have been leaders in different ways: media personality and Old Boy Ben Malouf (’98), 2017 College Captain Matthew Harrington, and our Principal, Dr Lavorato. 

The day allowed for students to further their understanding about what true leadership is. All the speakers focused on the idea of ‘service leadership’, something that is also central to leadership at the College. As each speaker addressed the cohort via their pre-recorded messages, we were able to learn about different perceptions of what service leadership is. Sir Peter Cosgrove focused on the idea that leaders must always be in the role for the outcome, for the common good and for the service of others. He was then kind enough to join us live for a Q&A session to answer questions from some of the boys in the cohort. 

Hearing from Mr Ben Malouf allowed for everyone to gain insights from someone who knew what ‘black tie’ leadership meant 25 years ago at the College – and the lessons still ring true today - the importance of being authentic, kind, confident, and that everyone is a leader in their own right. Following on from his address, Matthew Harrington explained the realities of being a college leader, assuring everyone that “leadership is a privilege, but at its core, it is a whole lot of fun.” Finally, Dr Lavorato focused heavily on black tie leaders being goal-oriented people, always having a vision, and setting up goals that go beyond expectations.

Being fortunate enough to hear from four knowledgeable leaders, we then finished off the day in small groups with our Homeroom teachers to consolidate our own understanding on leadership. We participated in activities that explored what type of leader we would want to be. Many thanks to the Homeroom teachers who gave up their teaching time to be involved and facilitate the running of these small group sessions.

Leadership Day officially started the leadership process for the Class of 2022. Members of the cohort are currently submitting applications to be considered for some of the prestigious leadership roles offered at the school. In two weeks, we will vote on who we think will be best able to represent our year group, as well as the whole College community. The new student leadership team will be announced at the end of this term, at the same time that Year 12 graduate. 

Overall, the day allowed for every boy to further their understanding on leadership and to start to look forward to their leadership journey that begins next term.

This day would not have been possible if it wasn’t for the many hours and late nights put in from both Ms Santiago and Mr Newman. They spent many hours making sure that we had this fantastic experience, despite the inconvenient online circumstances. We want to thank them for their dedication and perseverance to make this day happen. The day was a great success.

Liam Arraj, Michael Bejjani, Anthony Chahin and Blake Timillero

Year 11 Year Ambassadors

In the Know with Careers

“Knowing is not enough; we must apply. Wishing is not enough; we must do.”

Congratulations to the following Year 11 students who successfully completed a unit of study in Critical Thinking at Macquarie University. 

These boys completed this unit of study in Semester 1 as part of the Macquarie University Gifted and Talented Program.  

Inside this week’s edition of In the Know with Careers, you will find information on the following: 

• Universities Admissions Centre (UAC) – key dates, alternative pathways to university and careers Q&A
• Macquarie University - COVID-19 Impact Points (five additional adjustment points automatically provided)
• University of Sydney – undergraduate scholarships, student exchange program, E12 Early Offer information webinar and Future Innovators Award
• Western Sydney University - Discover Western webinar on getting an early offer through the HSC True Rewards early offer program
• world’s best universities rankings
• Notre Dame – Early Offer Program
• TAFE – virtual open days, apprenticeships and AFL traineeships
• studying at Taronga Zoo
• jobs in cyber security
• résumé writing
• career opportunities in Engineering with Transport for NSW.

Joanne Cupac

Careers Advisor